We have a passion for delivering responsible business practices, driving efficiency gains, and safe guarding the natural and social environment. Our multi-disciplinary team is made up of leading scientific and business professionals.
Stewart Moore is one of the Asia Pacific’s most experienced planning and management consultants. He has over 30 years of experience in a wide range of disciplines from business and strategic planning, policy development, tourism destination management and marketing, sustainability, risk management and corporate and social responsibility.
Melinda Watt began her career as an industrial chemist, but since she stepped into the world of EarthCheck she has transitioned from scientist to senior executive of the company and finally to shareholding director. Today she performs all these roles simultaneously, while leading a team of inspiring young professionals.
David Simmons is Emeritus Professor of Tourism at Lincoln University and a global specialist in destination management. From 2008 to 2010 he was Director of Research for the Australian Federal Government’s ‘Sustainable Tourism CRC’, and has contributed to numerous national and local tourism planning exercises in his home New Zealand, and Asia and. He is committed to pushing the frontiers of tourism science and chairs the EarthCheck Research Institute.
Steve has worked as a Chief Sustainability Officer within the hospitality industry for almost a decade, giving him a deep understanding of sustainable operations, management and strategy. He has designed, led and delivered projects across all aspects of ESG, translating complex issues to actionable, targeted, initiatives across different cultures and geographies, and has produced multiple award-winning ESG investor reports. Prior to working in the hospitality industry, Steve spent ten years in academia as an ecologist specialising in ecological and climate change modelling, working in SIDS to understand and manage natural resources. Steve has spent a decade in each of the Americas and Asia, employing a stakeholder engaged approach to empower businesses to create, measure and communicate positive sustainable impact.
With over 25 years of experience in tourism and hospitality, André leads EarthCheck’s global business development and sales efforts. He works with destinations, hotel groups, and ESG teams to grow in ways that are commercially smart, community-minded, and environmentally sound. André is known for his straight-talking approach and ability to cut through complexity. His focus is on helping clients move from intention to impact and making sustainability feel practical, valuable, and grounded in real-world outcomes. He also serves as Head of International Relations for the APEC International Centre for Sustainable Tourism, supporting capacity-building and resilience across the Asia-Pacific region. When not immersed in strategy or helping brands get future-ready, André can be found riding his motorbike, experimenting in the kitchen, or digging through old records in search of the perfect soundtrack.
Nigel joined EarthCheck in 2013. Prior to joining the team, he played a leading role in England’s regional tourism sector, with Heart of England Tourist Board and as Head of Tourism with Advantage West Midlands – the regional economic development agency. He has an extensive tourism development track record, working with local, regional and national partners to support the growth of tourism businesses and destinations. Nigel has been a lifelong Glasgow Rangers fan, but since joining EarthCheck and moving to Brisbane, has adopted the state team, the Broncos.
Debra’s journey with EarthCheck commenced in July 2022. For more than 12 years, Debra’s passion for connectivity and teamwork has been evident in how she leads her people with strong technical capabilities to deliver innovative outcomes for her clients.
She has 25 years of senior executive finance experience in local and international roles across many sectors, including logistics, industrial, financial and professional services. She has held several positions within each, leading specialised teams with specialisation in financial management, business partnering, performance improvement, business systems, mergers and acquisitions and project management. Debra is a keen angler outside of her business.
Natasha joined EarthCheck having spent four years leading the policy and research team for the peak body for tourism in Queensland. She has a strong understanding of the political systems that govern and shape the tourism industry and how they can strengthen, or inhibit, industry success. Prior to her time at QTIC, Natasha completed her PhD at Griffith University, Brisbane. Her thesis focused on the relational ties between destination management organisations and tourism and hospitality organisations and the impact they have on destination brand buy-in. Before her post-graduate studies, she gained operational experience in luxury hotel groups in Australia and the UK and spent time working across Europe for a major UK tour operator.
Dr Antje Martins is an award-winning scientist, social sustainability specialist and EarthCheck returnee. Before completing her PhD in Sustainable Hospitality and staff engagement at the University of Queensland, she managed the EarthCheck Certification and Training programs. With her extensive professional experience in sustainability management, training and education, and her research expertise Antje is well placed to find practical, but science-backed solutions to the tourism industry’s most pressing sustainability challenges. As the Chief Training Manager, Antje’s work is focused on designing and delivering education experiences which facilitate the implementation of sustainability and achievement of ESG targets across all business levels.
Damien is the Manager of Software Development, whose responsibilities include project management, vendor management, ICT, cybersecurity, analysis and strategy. Possessing strong business acumen, professionalism, and tactful communication skills he strives to cultivate a positive work environment and motivate his team. Damien has worked with Microsoft Technologies in the .NET and SQL Server family in web, desktop and mobile environments as a project manager, software developer and in devops for twenty years. He has an eclectic taste in a diverse range of music.
Wayne Carlson has over 30 years involvement with tourism in research, strategy, brand, marketing and management – across destinations, events, attractions, transport, major venues and hospitality. He has extensive experience in the domestic market, as well as Europe, UK, North America and Asia. Wayne was a member of the national Tourism Research Committee for four years and led one of Australia’s largest travel consumer research studies. He has collaborated with a range of global brands as partners and lectured on tourism, events and brands at tertiary level.
After starting in tourism with theme parks, today Wayne is one of Australia’s most experienced tourism analysts, and brings a global view and his significant consumer and industry insights to assist with understanding and shaping successful strategies for destinations, industry and government, across the world.
Joshua has been with EarthCheck since March 2022, working with EarthCheck’s Benchmarking data, producing group reports for corporate clients, and assisting with other queries and requests from clients. Joshua joined EarthCheck after completing a Bachelor of Science Honours majoring in Environment and Sustainability, and previously having completed a dual degree Bachelors of Mathematics (Statistics) and Science (Zoology). Joshua is analytically minded and loves working with numbers and spreadsheets. On a personal note, Joshua considers his spirit animal to be an Echidna; and he likes to enjoy his time outside the office by watching NRL and tennis.
Originally from Cordoba, in central Argentina, Romina has spent the last four years working and studying in Australia. Her academic qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Business (Applied Finance major) from Queensland University of Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from the National University of Cordoba (Argentina). With extensive experience in the hospitality industry and over 10 years’ experience in customer service roles, Romina is excited and committed to supporting her members along their journey to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Andy Vo is a dedicated sustainable design consultant currently serving as a Design Program Manager at EarthCheck. With a career spanning over a decade, Andy has established himself as a go-to-lead in sustainable engineering and energy assessment. Before joining EarthCheck, Andy was associated with organisations, including Stantec, Professional Certification Group Pty Ltd, and Certis Group, where he excelled in various roles and gained comprehensive experience.
Andy is a Queensland University of Technology graduate with a Master’s Degree in Project Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering. He is a Green Star Professional and is considered a subject matter expert, skilled in creating and implementing sustainable solutions that satisfy project requirements and enhance environmental outcomes.
Andy’s contributions extend beyond professional commitments. He serves as a Career Mentor at the Queensland University of Technology, where he helps shape the careers of budding professionals in the sustainability sector. His affable nature and in-depth knowledge of the industry make him a valuable member of the EarthCheck team and an inspiration to many. Always looking for ways to reduce environmental impact, Andy is admired for his tenacity, innovative approach, and commitment to driving sustainability in every project he oversees.
With over a decade of experience in events and project management, Melissa brings a wealth of expertise in stakeholder engagement and operational efficiency to EarthCheck. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (Honours) and minors in Economic Policy and Italian. She began her career on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., working closely with policymakers, before moving to the Council on Foreign Relations where she managed high-profile events attended by global leaders.
Melissa’s journey brought her to Australia in 2019, where she worked as the Communications and Events Manager at SkyPoint, Dreamworld, and WhiteWater World, refining her expertise in quality management and team leadership.
Sajita joined the EarthCheck team recently as the Relationship Manager for Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris – worldwide. She is an Indian- originally from Pune, which is her main reason of excitement to assist a native brand. Having lived in India since childhood, she studied her bachelors in Science- Hospitality Studies from the University of Pune. Her passion for the industry brought her to Australia to pursue her Masters in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management from the University of Queensland. She also has a Master’s degree in Human Resources with higher distinction from the University of Pune and has completed a number of certifications which are ISO certified. Her fluency in English, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu and a couple of other regional languages gives her an ability to cater to multilingual and multicultural clients. At EarthCheck she is exploring the different areas of sustainability and is excited to assist her clients in contributing to destinations and the environment in a personalized manner.
Originally from Cartagena, Colombia Rosanna relocated to Australia in 2020 to study for her Graduate Certificate in Sustainability at the University of Sydney. She also lived a year in Spain, where she completed her Master’s in Government and Public Administration from the Complutense University of Madrid. With more than 10 years of experience working in the public and private sector, she has a well-rounded skill set in project management and stakeholder management. She is passionate about sustainability and providing excellent customer service. An energetic and driven person, with an interest in accomplishing work that matters and has a positive impact on sustainable development. Her mission at EarthCheck is to guide members and destinations across the globe, to successfully measure and monitor sustainability performance and achieve their sustainability goals.
Alice graduated with a Bachelor of International Tourism and Hotel Management from Griffith University. Her passion to grow within the tourism industry flourished throughout her studies. Alice has particularly developed a focus for delivering exceptional customer service strategies in diverse environments throughout experiences before and after her studies. This solidified from the experience she has gained working closely with international students in a student accommodation.
Alice’s interest in sustainable tourism alongside her strong organisational and communication skills is what has attracted her to the position with EarthCheck.
Sarah was born in Germany, where she studied International Tourism Management and later Health Management in Tourism in Austria and Malaysia. She worked and travelled in Australia and South-East-Asia before moving to Austria. After working as a Management Trainee, Spa and Thermal Spa Manager for five years, she relocated to South Tyrol, Italy. Sarah joined the EarthCheck Team as Relationship Manager in December 2021 and is now supporting individual members in Europe, the Caribbean and the Middle East as well as several member groups such as Kempinski, Sircle Collection and Pride of Britain. Sarah is passionate about sustainability, cycling, mountain climbing, cross-country skiing and diving. Sarah’s mother tongue is German, she speaks English fluently and knows basic Italian and Spanish.
Jennifer is the Relationship Manager for our key corporate groups in Europe, Mauritius, French Polynesia, as well as for a number of worldwide members and destinations. She was born in Barcelona, Spain, and in addition to her native languages, Spanish and Catalan, she is fluent in English and speaks some French. Jennifer holds a Business Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Barcelona and an MBA (High Distinction) from Kaplan Business School, Brisbane. Jennifer loves travelling, hiking and has a great passion for environmental conservation.
Yuritzin, born in Mexico City, relocated to Cancún in the early 1980s. This move allowed her to witness this region’s remarkable growth, fostering the deep connection and commitment she maintains today. Yuritzin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, which adds a unique facet to her diverse professional profile. She devoted a significant decade of her career to serving as the Mexico Project Manager for a notable UK Foundation. Then, over 16 years, she became a key advocate for sustainable practices within the travel industry across Cancun and Riviera Maya. Yuritzin has led projects to empower Mayan women entrepreneurs and pioneered the development of sustainable supply chains, bridging the gap between the travel industry and rural businesses. Her passion stems from a profound respect for the wisdom of nature and cultural heritage, both of which she views as indispensable resources for cultivating a restorative economy. She continues to nurture this commitment today, seeking opportunities that promote sustainable growth and cultural preservation.
Bingni joined EarthCheck in May 2019 as the dedicated Corporate Relationship Manager for Capella Hotels & Resorts, Kerzner International, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Wharf Hotels worldwide. A Chinese native from Shanghai (China), she have spent a total of 2 years living and studying in Australia. Bingni completed her Master’s degree in Communication from The University of Queensland and she also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Fudan University, China. With previous academic knowledge in the field of public relations and professional communication, and working experience as Executive Assistant in Sodexo China, Bingni is excited and committed to supporting her members along their journey to help achieve sustainable outcomes.
Selina was born in Taiwan but grew up in New Zealand. During High School, she found her passion in being of service to others and began her journey in Hotel and Tourism Management. Due to the nature of hospitality work, she has had the opportunity to travel and work in a few countries such as Switzerland, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Australia. With over 10 years of experience in hotel operations and management, particularly in Front Office and Guest Relations, Selina has exceptional customer service, problem solving and team management skills.
Through her career in hospitality, she developed a new passion for sustainability and environmental protection and endeavored to find a way to bring her two passions together. Selina joined EarthCheck as a Relationship Manager in May 2023, and she is excited to be working with members around the world to make our planet more sustainable.
Sophie joined EarthCheck in May 2024 as a new Relationship Manager with a focus on Europe, Africa and the Middle East. As a Sustainability Scientist with a background in energy management, she brings experience in supply chain certification and qualification, sustainability management and reporting, as well as research and development across multiple industries.
With a passion for culture, travel and outdoor activity, Sophie likes to explore the world and can speak German, English and basic Italian and Spanish.
Margaux, originally from Belgium and currently based in Barcelona, is deeply passionate about sustainable tourism. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and Sustainable Tourism from HEPN in Belgium and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Tourism Destinations and Territorial Planning from Ostelea Tourism Management School (Barcelona).
Margaux has gained valuable experience working with Green Key in Belgium and the Global Destination Sustainability Movement. With a strong background in Sustainable Destination Management and Sustainable Hotel Management, she recently joined EarthCheck as a Relationship Manager.
Margaux is dedicated to driving transformative change in the tourism sector through sustainability initiatives.
Originally from Japan, she holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, specialising in accounting and finance. Her passion for the hospitality industry has developed since her childhood travels around the world. She gained three years of experience working in a hotel in Tokyo before relocating to Australia to study a Master of International Tourism and Hospitality at Griffith University. During her studies, she also worked in a hotel and convention centre in Gold Coast. With over five years of experience in hospitality, she gained exceptional customer service and leadership skills.
Her passion for both hospitality and sustainability led her to her current role as a Relationship Manager at EarthCheck. Her greatest joy comes from making others happy.
Diana was born in Colombia, and currently lives in Barcelona. She joined EarthCheck as a Relationship Manager in May 2023, to support members in Spain to place sustainability at the core of their operations. She has a degree in International Tourism & Hotel Management, and a Master in Sustainable Tourism Destinations. Diana has specialized in the field of sustainable tourism consultancy, and she also has experience within digital tourism businesses operations, and hotel operations.
Her passion for tourism has led her to live in Australia and Spain, and to travel around the world. Being community and sustainability driven, Diana has participated in community volunteer projects in Colombia, Fiji Islands and Nepal; and always tries to bring that commitment to her daily life.
Karina joined EarthCheck in March 2025 as a Relationship Manager. Since her youthfulness she was passionate about tourism, languages and travels and those passions were reflected in her studies. Karina holds a Master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from La Rochelle University (France). In addition to her native language, she is fluent in English and French. She worked in the hospitality industry for 7 years in the Groups and Conventions Department and 2.5 years for a Canadian company in the Customer Relations Department. Her passion for sustainability appeared in her childhood, nowadays sustainability is part of her daily life, and she is very proud to be able to contribute to a better world acting from her current job position.
Karina loves travelling, running, practicing yoga and reading.
Helen joined in the EarthCheck in November 2019. She maintains daily financial happenings within EarthCheck.
With 15 years of experience in commercial accounting fields ,Helen is very proactive and dedicated to ensuring all our accounting needs are taken care of.
Amelita joined EarthCheck in 2015 as our Sales Support Specialist. With a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems, Amelita has worked with various companies from different industries including insurance, logistics, consumer electronics, and KPO (Knowledge Process Outsourcing) focusing on sales and business development. With 18 years’ experience, Amelita brings a wealth of experience into the role and liaises closely with our sales partners. She loves spending time with her family and exploring beautiful places.
Rhizza joined EarthCheck recently as a Sales Support Specialist working hand in hand with Amelita in Cebu, Philippines. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and has worked for 15 years with a shipping company then a courier company as a Customer Service Coordinator and as a Sales Account Executive respectively. She received an award in 2015 as a Top Sales Contributor in her assigned region as she was a dedicated and hardworking person. Rhizza also serves as a Sunday School teacher at their church and loves baking during her spare time.
With a drive to improve business processes and the customer journey through information technology, Clea has solid experience in identifying areas for improvement and developing effective solutions to increase efficiency and productivity. As Business Analyst, Clea is dedicated to helping EarthCheck deliver quality systems and product functionality to support our members. With over 15 years experience working across industries, including digital marketing, design and engineering, she brings a well-rounded approach to her work and the confidence to learn and execute quickly. Clea enjoys her garden, meeting up with friends, travel and painting.
Vikram joined EarthCheck at the end of 2023 to assist the ICT team in Business Analysis, Requirements Gathering, and Process management around projects. Currently studying a Master of Computer Science Management with an interest in human-centered computing around Sustainability at the University of Queensland, Vikram is proficient in understanding the end users and has experience in extensive areas of Business Analysis. In Vikram’s spare time, he enjoys spending time collecting Vinyls and enjoying live music.
Ewan joined EarthCheck during mid-2023 to assist in the development of EarthCheck software projects. With nearly three years’ experience in software development, and an educational background in Mathematics and Computer Science, Ewan brings a highly logical view to the team. Currently studying under a Bachelor of Advanced Science at the University of Queensland, Ewan is proficient in problem solving and has experience in extensive areas of software development. In Ewan’s spare time, he enjoys spending time out-doors, cycling, and casually mountain biking in the Brisbane area.
Shyam is an accomplished Software Developer who brings a robust 14-year history of experience to his role. Proficient in handling a range of technologies and domains, he has adeptly managed all stages of the software development lifecycle for medium to large-scale projects. With nearly a decade of using Agile methodologies, Shyam excels in continuous software delivery and full-stack web development, effectively overseeing both front-end and back-end applications. Not only is Shyam recognised for his impressive coding, debugging, and troubleshooting skills, but he also has a knack for quickly comprehending domain knowledge and user perspectives. His interpersonal skills and collaborative approach greatly aid in seamless interaction with various stakeholders, ensuring smooth project execution. Dedicated to continuous learning, Shyam remains updated with the latest technologies, bringing an innovative approach to EarthCheck’s software development.
Alma joined EarthCheck to assist the team in ensuring the quality of EarthCheck Software Projects. With more than 3 years of experience in Quality Assurance, he has handled multiple different projects to ensure the quality of the product is up to standard. Proficient in Manual and Automation testing, he has experience testing Web applications and Mobile applications either in Android or iOS. His attention to detail proves to be a valuable asset for the team. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball and reading.
Matthew is a graduate software engineer with development experience in event planning and visitor management. With his degree completed at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, after growing up as a country kid in Bundaberg, he found a passion for technical problem solving and puzzles. He’s now joined EarthCheck to assist with the development of its various projects and looks forward to applying his skills. In his personal time, he enjoys our countries wonderful beaches, dogs, and reading fantasy novels.
Gerald joined EarthCheck as a full-stack developer, where he is currently responsible for maintaining and enhancing existing projects. With around 12 years of experience in web development using SQL Query, PHP, and .Net, Gerald brings a wealth of expertise to every challenge he tackles.
Throughout his career, he has excelled in navigating complex queries and managing intricate system integrations, delivering robust solutions that drive project success and client satisfaction. His deep technical knowledge and problem-solving skills have made him an indispensable part of every team he’s worked with.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Gerald enjoys strategic thinking on the playing chess and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a way to stay disciplined, focused, and physically active.
Tong joined EarthCheck as an intern in early 2023 and became a Sustainability Officer within the Relationship Management team in June 2023, responsible for the benchmarking, certification services, and project research covering environmental sustainability. Originally from Shenzhen, China, Tong is currently studying for his master’s degree in Environmental Management at the University of Queensland, having a research and academic experience related to carbon management, environmental laws, risk assessment, and ESG reporting. He acquired his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science during his 4 years of study in China, which gave him extensive knowledge in science, agribusiness, and sustainability. With his diverse background, Tong is passionate about pursuing sustainability and environmental protection and is eager to support global members to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Ly joined EarthCheck in October 2024 as a co-funded Earthcheck/Griffith University scholarship recipient.
She assists Consulting team with daily operations and projects, leveraging her expertise in tourism and hospitality management. As a lecturer in Vietnam, specializing in Destination Management and Service Management, Ly brings in a range of knowledge, particularly in destination management and sustainability practices from an Asian perspective. Her insights are expected to add depth and diversity to EarthCheck’s initiatives.
Outside of work, Ly enjoys embroidering and watching livestreams of flower sellers during the weekend.
There are more than 476 million Indigenous Peoples, found in all regions of the world, from the Arctic to the tropical forests. They make up more than 6 per cent of our global population.
In the spirit of reconciliation, EarthCheck acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout the world and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous Peoples today.
EarthCheck acknowledges that Indigenous Peoples are guardians of the forests and biodiversity hotspots we all depend on. Research shows that lands managed by Indigenous Peoples, with secure rights, experience lower deforestation rates, store more carbon, hold more biodiversity, and benefit more people than other lands — including protected areas.
We recognise and support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration is a positive document that maps out a path for Indigenous Peoples to be free from discrimination and secure in their identities and life choices.
EarthCheck science and products were developed by the Australian Government Sustainable Tourism Co-operative Research Centre (STCRC) over ten years. Our science is reviewed annually to ensure that it meets international standards relative to greenhouse gas protocols, responsible tourism, and certification.
EarthCheck products and services are built on the Agenda 21 principles for Sustainable Development endorsed by 182 Heads of State at the United Nations Rio De Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992 and aligned to the SDGs.
EarthCheck Certified provides a framework for organisations to achieve the desired outcomes for sustainable development as set out in the final report of the World Summit for Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002.
EarthCheck Certified complies with the Mohonk Agreement (2000), which outlines the guidelines and principles for an international sustainable tourism certification program. It is also a Recognised program of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
EarthCheck Certified is a verification standard accepted by CDP. It is also an approved program of the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA), London & Partners, the Mexican Secretary of Tourism (SECTUR) and the City of Sydney.
EarthCheck Certified is an approved program for meeting the EU Energy Directive for the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle – BAFA) in Germany and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) in the Netherlands.
EarthCheck partners with international research organisations to maintain the currency of EarthCheck science and our benchmarking systems.
The EarthCheck brand signifies scientific excellence, better environmental, economic, and social performance, improved community interactions, and savings through more efficient use of resources. It provides recognition and promotional support to a global consumer market.
